Melissa McCarthy’s new film Can You Ever Forgive Me? is not an actual plea to forget her criminally bad 2018 films, The HappyTime Murders and Life of the Party, but it does serve as one.
McCarthy is stellar as Lee Israel, a moderately successful writer who stumbles on a unique way to pay the rent — literary forgery. Israel finds herself uniquely qualified to create private letters of past literary figures such as Fanny Brice, Noël Coward and Dorothy Parke — and sign them as such.
I authentically enjoyed this compelling story that takes us inside the world of New York’s used bookstores, but it’s McCarthy’s portrayal of a fireball loner that makes it unforgettable. As a woman who wants to find her place, yet instinctually hates everyone she encounters, McCarthy creates of the most memorable characters on film this year.
Add Richard E. Grant, in one of his best roles as accomplice Jack Hock, and you have one of the most memorable duos on film this year.
In a nutshell: The surprise film of the year featuring a character you won't forget anytime soon.
Award potential: The film isn’t big or important enough to make the Oscar Best Picture list, but lock her up as a nominee for Best Actress and Lee for Best Supporting Actor. The true life Lee considers these letters “to be my best work,” and this is McCartney and Grant’s best work as well.
Strong potential at the Golden Globes in the comedy/musical categories.
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.
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